Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Turning Over A New Leaf

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Hear that? That's the collective sound of many people turning over a new leaf—myself included. Some people think of January as the time for change and resolutions, but for me this year, it's autumn. Labor Day has passed, the symbolic end of summer, and the temperatures are cool and crisp (at least here in Minnesota). The new school year has started (although it looks different this year … [Read more...]

Small Miracles

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Today is my mother’s birthday. She will be 95. Unfortunately, she will be celebrating it in the hospital this year, virtually alone because of Covid. A week ago, she fell while tending her flower bed and broke her hip. Mom is a lifelong Christian and an amazing example to her family of what a life of faith looks like. She is also a prayer warrior. I have been asking all of my friends to pray for … [Read more...]

Creating Characters that Evoke Deep Emotion

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I recently received an email from a writer named Ariana who is struggling with character development: “I am currently writing a book and would like your advice on it. I'm stuck on how to make it so the reader can feel like the characters in my book...if that makes sense.”   It makes perfect sense, Ariana! Thanks for asking such an important question. A vital part of the reading experience … [Read more...]

Another Manuscript Finished

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It is always such a relief and a feeling of accomplishment to get a book turned in. August 15 was the deadline for Book 2 in my Hanger's Horseman series. I'm pleased to report that The Heart's Charge is in my editors' hands. This book was challenging but so rewarding to write. I can't wait to share it with you! This is my longest book to date at just under 103,000 words. The editing process … [Read more...]

Oak Apple Day

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Between my history degree, my extensive reading of historical fiction, and my own research and writing of historical fiction, I consider myself pretty well-versed history, especially English history and American history. So imagine my surprise when I dove into two different historical novels last week and found mention in both of an English holiday I’d never heard of! And here’s the kicker—one … [Read more...]

Deepening your understanding of the Bible

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For the past four plus years, I've been blessed to study the Bible with Kristi McLelland, a professor and biblical culturalist in Nashville—and a phenomenal teacher of the Word. Kristi has dedicated her life to teaching people how to study the Bible—and how to read it through a Middle Eastern lens. She's recommended some wonderful Biblical study resources that I'm eager to share with you. Plus … [Read more...]

Devouring the Word of God

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A little over a week ago, I heard about the Illuminated Scripture Journals from Crossway. These books have the Scripture on the left hand page (ESV) and lightly dotted blank pages on the right, perfect for writing or drawing or however you best interact with Scripture. (There are also the same journals with plain black covers where the right hand pages are lined.) The Illuminated Scripture … [Read more...]

Lost and Found

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A few months ago, in this post, I told the tale of my lost and found Bible. Several of you responded, saying that you'd lost and found something that was important to you, too. Your stories were so heartwarming that I decided to compile some of them into this blog post. Here's hoping they bless you as much as they did me! "After my sister and brother passed in 2013 I looked and looked … [Read more...]

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